Samsung

Apple was very secretive about the 10th anniversary of the iPhone, while rumours spread like wild fire; suspense only heightened as the launch day finally came. To clear up any confusion, it was a surprise to the masses that Apple actually released three phones; the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X. The iPhone X has stolen the limelight to say the least. So what exactly is it? Well, there were whispers that the iPhone X was the same as the iPhone 8, but was just given a little more attention and a different name to highlight the milestone age of the iPhone turning 10; this evidently isn’t the case. This little stunner of a phone has tongues wagging and jaws dropping, so read on to see what all the excitement is about!

Appearance & No Home Button

(Source: Apple)

The assumption that the home button would be removed had been bouncing around and it was put into motion with the iPhone X, but not the 8 or 8 Plus. Whilst this feature is being heavily praised for improving the aesthetics of the phone, it has indeed been seen before (LG G6) and the Samsung Galaxy range seem to be heading in that direction as pioneers of the curved edges and somewhat infinity screens. Although, we can’t deny this is a rather stunning phone. The removal of the home button enhances the slick and chic look that Apple is ever so loved and famous for. Available in silver and space grey, they’re very easy on the eye to say the least, but we couldn’t help but feel that there’s something missing- the iPhone X in black.

Face ID

Abandoning the infamous home button means ditching the finger print scanner that unlocked previous iPhone models. So Apple is kicking up the fancy tech features a notch and have now introduced face scanner ID. The security feature utilises the front camera (obviously), mapping out facial features and recognising them in order to unlock the phone. However, at Apple’s latest convention in LA when demonstrating the face ID scanner for the first time ever, live and on camera, it unfortunately didn’t work on the first attempt. Perhaps it was nerves, perhaps it was the phone, we’re not sure. Apple don’t really make mistakes, so chances are it was a one off or a little bad luck- but we’ll know for sure when the phone is available to the public. A rather cool feature (quite well presented on their website if you’re interested) is how the facial recognition technology adapts and learns of changing facial features over time, like growing a beard, wearing hats/scarves that may potentially cover your face or recognising different expressions.

Camera

(Source: Apple)

The camera is the same as its predecessor- the iPhone 7. It has a 12MP wide-angle dual camera, plus some extra features. Portrait mode for selfies is a great feature if you’re brave enough to snap your face in high def. The artistically blurred background gives the impression of DSLR quality without the hassle of carrying a clunky camera around. Portrait lighting lets you manipulate photos with ease, no apps, or transfers to your computer to use Photoshop.

Wireless Charging

(Source: Telegraph)

So this feature is pretty cool, there’s no fiddling with wires, you simply place it on the dock. Also the infamous Apple charging cable that always breaks will hopefully be left behind. You can charge your phone, watch and earphones; all at the same time too! We have only one little query, so the charging cable is gone, why keep the Apple port, why not bring the normal earphone jack back? It’s just a little unnecessary now seeing as the port has no purpose other than earphones, that you either buy from Apple, or have to buy an adapter for if you use your own.

AR & Animoji

(Source: The Verge)

The ASUS ZenFone AR was the first phone with built in augmented reality and virtual reality, and it seems Apple have jumped on the bandwagon too. Apple introduced Animoji this year, which is a dynamic cartoon emoji that moves and speaks based on your actual face motions.

Price

Now, this is where most people’s draw drop in shock and start to think the iPhone 8 is probably a better purchase. The 64GB model is priced at just £1 short of a grand- £999. The 256GB model is £1149. Smartphones just as good and capable are half the price, but this phone is definitely not for everyone. The premium feel features and of course, price makes this phone more of an accessory and luxury item.

So there you have it, the key features of the 10th anniversary iPhone X! We hope we’ve given you further insight to some of the phone’s cool features and helped you come to a decision if you were in the midst of contemplating; to buy or not to buy? For more latest tech news and releases, helpful top picks and reviews- visit our blog.

Starting university soon? It’s a big change, but here at Laptop Outlet we’re here to help! Between buying pot and pans and trying to find recipes for stuff that’ll take no more than 10 minutes to cook, tech is another hurdle to climb over. In the comfort of your house everything is there, but what exactly do you need and what isn’t a necessity? We’re here to walk you through the top tech essentials for students!

First and foremost, quite possibly the most important- a laptop! Having a budget and limited room in halls, this will be your go-to device for everything, whether it’s ordering cheap take-out, doing research, writing up essays, gaming or watching films. We suggest you look into your course requirements and avoid making any hasty decisions. If your course requires more power-consuming and demanding software (graphic design, film, digital art etc) we suggest you go for a powerful processor- perhaps an i7 Intel processor. Alongside this, you’ll probably need a device with a higher than usual RAM and storage space, and most definitely more advanced graphics. So check what your area of study requires. What do you need? If you like to game and watch films, look into a laptop that is an all-rounder- great for work and play purposes.

Key points to consider before buying:

Preference (Brand, style, hybrid or laptop, touchscreen or not)

Course requirements (power-draining software?)

Study purposes only or entertainment too?

How much do you store on your laptop? How much storage space do you need?

Price, what’s your budget?

Portability, do you plan to travel with your laptop or work on the go?

Part of the university experience is the social aspect. Whether it’s a chilled night with friends, getting ready for a night out, flat party or just jamming to your favourite tunes while cooking- a speaker is a must have. With loads to choose from, some are as cheap as a tenner! Depending on your needs pick something suited to your lifestyle.

Now this is an optional one. With tech advancement having been so great in the past decade, universities have jumped on the bandwagon of high-tech! So much of your work may be handed in electronically, so check with your course/module leader. If you’re a fan of typing up notes and printing them out when exam period hits, then consider investing in one. Or perhaps art and photography students might need to print pictures out? See if it’s an essential, if not don’t make the unnecessary purchase (that money could be used on cheap Chinese food!). Alongside this, all universities offer a printing service, it’s usually well priced; often 10p per A4 page.

Key points to consider:

How large of a printer do you need? (A4 or larger?)

Price & brand

Wireless?

Do you have space for it?

Is it essential for your course or could you manage with university printing?

Photo printer so you stick them up in your room as decoration or to remember your favourite uni moments?

Other than the obvious purpose of communication, you’ll be surprised how much your smartphone can help with education. Listening to audiobook can save you a tonne of time and money; they’re cheaper than physical copies and you can get through an entire book so much quicker. Something for all your necessary apps, space to snap photos through freshers and music. You might even need to use your phone for quickly looking over notes before a big test or organising your time and writing up to-do lists. Keep up to date with social media, with university events, needing Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to connect with people; do you have a phone that can handle all of that?

It may seem like something unnecessary but if you need your phone all day and are used to constantly being on it- that combined with a full day of lectures could leave you with a dead battery. Something small and mighty can provide you with that extra power your phone needs to get through the day. However, this item isn’t a must-have for everyone, but do grab it if you need it!

Key points to consider:

Is it a necessity?

How long can your phone last?

Your lecture schedule- if you have time between classes you can easily charge in a coffee shop or back at your room.

Believe it or not, this little guy might be your life saver at times. With last minute cramming and looming deadlines you can never anticipate when your laptop will crash, so saving your work on one of these little guys as you go along could prevent the loss of your essay on the Third Reich. If you’re working in the library, some students find online storage a hassle, so just save your work on this little guy and head on back to the flat, pop it in your laptop and resume work.

Key points to consider:

How much storage you need.

Price & brand

Whether you think you need it or not, make sure you have one to be on the safe side!

As much as it may seem like a cost you’d rather avoid, this is absolutely essential. A virus could render your device obsolete and completely wreck it. Having had work and entertainment stored on your laptop, perhaps important passwords too, it’s absolutely vital you protect your device. Do you really want to lose your assignment 10 hours before a deadline? Alongside this, whilst Netflix is affordable, many choose to use the not so safe and legal websites to stream films and shows that come with a higher risk of such threats, so be prepared!

So there you have it, our student tech essentials for university! We hope we’ve armed you with some good knowledge too. If you weren’t sure on what you needed, hopefully you know or have an idea now! We offer up to 15% off with Student Beans on selected student items, so check it out!

For more helpful guides, top picks and tech related news- visit our blog.

On the hunt for a new smartphone? Prefer Android to Apple? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve picked out the latest releases, the crème de la crème of the latest smartphones to hit the market. So lets get started!

Honor 9

Screen: 5.15”

RAM: 4GB/6GB

Storage: 64GB/128GB

Camera: Rear- 20MP Dual Lens, Front- 8MP

OS: Android 7 Nougat

Pros:

Sleek and aesthetically pleasing exterior

Affordable price

Cons:

Very mediocre camera for dual lens

With all the high-end features that most popular manufacturers include in their products, we are majorly impressed with the Honor 9. In comparison to manufacturers like Apple and Samsung, Huawei Honor isn’t as established, thus meaning it has a smaller customer pool and less customer loyalty which knocks down the price of the phone when it’s just as efficient and powerful as the Galaxy or iPhone range (good news for you)! The most notable feature is the eye -catching design. Available in sapphire blue and glacier grey with a chic glass exterior, this phone has a luxurious look and feel.

Our Verdict:

Although Honor isn’t as well-known as other manufacturers like Apple or Samsung, the Honor 9 is still in the league as being just as powerful as an iPhone, but more affordable.

Asus ZenFone AR

Screen: 5.7”

RAM: 6GB/8GB

Storage: 64GB/128GB

Camera: Rear- 23MP

Dual Lens, Front- 8MP

OS: Android 7 Nougat

Pros:

First phone with built-in VR & AR

Great screen quality

Impressive camera

Cons:

Very expensive

ASUS has topped the game with the first phone to be certified and come with Daydream and Tango, it’s probably a flagship product in the history of AR and VR products. So with the market for augmented and virtual products growing, this product has us intrigued. It’s more than just gaming- furnishing your new apartment? If only you could try furniture out the same way you try on shoes…Well, you can now! AR & VR is proving to be handy in day-to-day life so if it’s something that appeals to you, this phone comes highly recommended. Asides from that obvious golden feature, the phone itself is great. This phone takes quick charging to a new level, you can gain up to 60% in the charging time of 40 minutes, despite fast charging being a feature on many new smartphones we haven’t come across anything as fast as this. The unusually high 23MP front camera will ensure every snap or Instagram post is of immense clarity and of utmost detail.

Our Verdict:

If you’ve jumped on the newly formed bandwagon of AR and VR, whether it be for gaming or for every day help- take the plunge if you can afford it! It’s the first and only phone to have such innovative features.

Samsung Galaxy S8 Active

Screen: 5.8”

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 64GB

Camera: Rear- 12MP, Front- 8MP

OS: Android 7 Nougat

(Source: DigitalTrends)

Pros:

Great camera quality

Very durable

Cons:

Not the best choice for power & performance, focuses primarily on durability

With durability being this phones key feature, this is an ideal choice for those who are into extreme sports, constantly active or just plain clumsy. With all the powerful features of the well-known S range, this little guy is a little tougher. The S8 Active can survive under water for 30 minutes at a depth of up to 5ft. With a shatter resistant screen, this phone can withstand more than a few harsh tumbles. It is also equipped to handle more extreme climates that lesser devices would not be able to handle. Alongside this, its chip (the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835) has been proven to be up to 25% more efficient than the chip of its predecessor the S7 Active; alongside upping the resolution from 2560 x 1440 to 2960 x 1440.

Our Verdict:

Hands down- a top choice for those who like to live life on the edge. Withstanding water and heavy drops, alongside being shatter-resistant this phone is tailored for those who indulge in extreme sports.

Motorola Moto Z2 Force

Screen: 5.5”

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 64GB

Camera: Rear- 12MP dual lens, Front- 5MP

OS: Android 7.1.1

(Source: TechRadar)

Pros:

Can withstand everyday drops and falls with ease

Lengthy battery life

Good camera

Cons:

Plain design

Cannot withstand hard drops, only day-to-day normal tumbles

Not scratch and water proof

Upon first glance, it’s a little tricky to spot the differences between the Z2 and its predecessor but there are some noticeable improvements if you dig a little deeper. It’s 13% thinner and 12% lighter (145g) and Motorola managed to fit a dual-lens camera in- amazing! The new 3500mAh battery can stretch battery life for up to 2 days (depends on use). MotoMods further enhances the excitement surrounding this device, with choices of the Moto 360 camera, JBL speakers, an upcoming game controller, a 10x zoom lens, an attachable projector and the Turbo Power battery pack. Despite not being scratch proof or shock proof, this phone has immense 5 screen layers; effectively getting rid of the common screen crack issue that most people face.

Our Verdict:

If you love to capture high-definition pictures but don’t want the hassle of carrying a DSLR- this is your perfect phone. With the MotoMods to improve picture quality, alongside the included camera being of a high standard- you’re in for vivid photos and true-to-life imagery. It’s also a worthy purchase for those who need a little extra protection when it comes to everyday use.

With its slick and durable design LG are onto a winner having made their best phone yet. The exterior is a combination of metal and glass, framed with aluminum, with 2 sheets of Gorilla Glass 5 on the back and Gorilla Glass 3 on the front. The platinum shade is by far the most eye-catching, so if you’re looking into buying this phone, see if you can get your hands on this colour. With new features such as IP68 certification of dust and water-resistance, this phone definitely tops the LG G5 with the additional features such as these. The Snapdragon 821 chip ensures smooth-sailing navigation, effectively elevating the phones efficiency and power-consumption, alongside decreasing thermal energy given off by the device earning its place in our top picks of the best Android smartphones released so far this year.

Our Verdict:

This is by far LG’s greatest phone yet, so if you’re a fan of the brand and have the money, this phone would be a great purchase. The luxury design makes this an ideal buy for those who need/want to use their device in a formal or work environment.

So there you have it, the latest and best releases of Android smartphones. If you were on the hunt for a new Android phone, we hope this article has been of some assistance. If you’re still undecided, check out our range of Android smartphones.

For more updates on latest releases, top picks, helpful reviews and other tech news- visit our blog.

An android phone can cost up to a fortune, so make sure you invest in one which will keep you in good company for many years…or until your next upgrade anyway. So fear not, we’re here to help you find your ideal device and make your search easier. So carry on reading to find out the top android phones to buy in the UK 2017!

The new Sony Xperia is able to; capture bright and sharp images within a fraction of a second, Optical Image Stabilisation gives you picture perfect quality and clarity when taking a snap in darker environments, and the wide focal coverage enable to tap anywhere on the screen to focus on a subject. So if you’re a fan of photography or love to take pictures when out and about with friends, this is an ideal purchase for you. Always on your phone? Constantly out the house? You needn’t worry about charging as this Sony phone has a battery life of up to 2 days between charges.

With a generation of new phones being released every year, Samsung is the only brand that comes close to rivalling Apple’s infamous iPhone. The S7 Edge gives you high-end smart phone features without a big screen that most newly released phones have adapted, as well as ditching the immense cost that phones such as its upgraded models and the iPhone come at. The elegantly curved design and size allows you to seamlessly navigate and use your phone with one hand and is the perfect pocket sized companion. Samsung propelled themselves onto the gaming front, the S7 Edge was the first smartphone to support Vulkan API enabling a greater gaming experience and prolonged battery life ensures gaming (and other phone use) for lengthier periods without the hassle of charging when on the go.

This LG G5, unlike any another phone comes with a bundle which contains a cam plus module, H3 headphones and a B&O Hi-Fi speaker. Regardless of this amazing bundle, the phone itself is absolutely remarkable. The ability to trap a massive frame of 135 degrees ensures no one will be left out of your group selfie! The slide out battery seems a little outdated, but for those constantly out the house or consistently travelling, it enables constant use so you can carry a spare battery and pop it in to ensure emails are returned and phone calls get answered.

With a top of the range Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor combines with 3GB RAM, this phone is made for the most industrious of people, with the processing capability of handling power- draining apps, lengthy usage and multitasking. With an impressive screen resolution, 6” display and graphic quality, watching your favourite shows will be an immersive experience; without the usual hassles of squinting at a small screen and blurred images.

Small, smart and straight to the point. An efficient phone for all your day to day needs, from emails, calls and texts to pictures, music and videos. Want to keep business and pleasure separate? This phone is the epitome of duality due to the dual-SIM configuration that allows you to have to numbers on one smartphone; so switch contact between clients and the family in an easy to handle fashion.

As this blog comes to an end, we hope we’ve helped you end the search for the perfect android phone! If you’re still undecided, check out our range of android phones and you’ll be sure to find something suited to your needs!

It’s looking to be an exciting summer with the release of various new devices and the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is one of them. After the spontaneous combustion debacle with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, the pressure is on to bring out a top of the range smartphone (that doesn’t set alight!). We’ve gathered as much information as we could on the upcoming release, so if you’re curious or considering purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 when released, read on!

Screen & Display

As seen with its soon-to-be predecessor, the new model will share a similar screen by keeping the slick curved- edge screen. However, say goodbye to the home button as similarly to the speculation surrounding the iPhone 8, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is completely removing it and adopting a new infinity screen display. Talented graphic designer Muhsin M. Belaal Auckburaully has created an image of what the new release is expected to look like. The removal of the home button received both praise and criticism, but after seeing various leaked patents and designs, this feature was well received for the slick and luxurious infinity screen.

(Source: Trustedreviews.com)

The Galaxy Note 7 had a viewing display of 5.7 inches, so inevitably we expect an increase in viewing size; especially with the new infinity display feature. We presume the screen will be no less than 6.2 inches. The increased screen size will be aesthetically pleasing and provide a lot more room and ease for navigation; we expect this to improve multitasking ability too.

The screen is also rumoured to be pressure sensitive. Holding your finger against the screen with varying degrees of pressure will show you different menus, the S8 and S8 Plus have this feature but it is restricted to the home button.

Alongside this, we expect to see an increase in screen quality via graphics. The S7 range had Quad HD which had a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and the new release is expected to have Quad HD+ with 2960 x 1440 pixels. There is also a possibility of 4K ultra HD. All of these new features and upgrades are more so tailored to the VR aspect of the phone, so if virtual reality isn’t a concern for you, perhaps this phone isn’t the best choice; as such features will undeniably bump up the price.

Camera & Memory

We expect to see an increase in camera quality as most upgraded models do. There’s been heavy speculation of an 8mp front camera, 3x optical zoom, 12mp wide angle lens, 13mp telephoto one and a selfie auto-function feature. Again we see parallels to the iPhone 8, as both are expected to have vertically aligned dual cameras.

There’s expected to be a storage increase to 128GB as the storage capability for the standard model and an increase to 6GB RAM.

Stylus and Software

The last range, the 7, saw the phone accompanied with a stylus. Not a must, but handy for those who need to scribble on the go, whether it be for notes and reminders, sketching or graphic design.

(Source: Techradar.com)

In amidst of heavy rumours and speculation, one specific feature caught our attention; a stylus with a built-in speaker! So considering the size of most styluses, we expect this one may be a little bigger if the built-in speaker is a legitimate feature. As innovative, yet strange of an idea, we think it’s great! We’re not expecting sound loud enough to feel the bass vibrate through you, but it’s definitely a handy feature. It’ll save people the hassle of carrying a speaker around (which will most likely be a lot larger than a stylus) and will save customers some cash as they won’t have to buy a speaker. However, don’t get your hopes up, it is one of the least speculated features on the Samsung Galaxy Note 8. Samsung has also promised tweaks and little software changes, so we expect a fairly familiar Android OS, however little are known about the upcoming alterations.

(Source: Trustedreview.com)

Security

In terms of security, the phone will still have the finger print ID scanner one way or another. The old model saw this feature placed on the home screen, but the new model will have it placed elsewhere. It will either be built into the screen or next to the rear camera. It will most likely be built into the screen due accessibility rather than on the back of the phone.

Charging and Battery

We expect normal charging with this phone with the possibility of wireless charging. Little has been stated on the chance of this so we are in the dark as to how this will work, if there will be a charging dock or case. However, it’s suggested that despite having a normal charging cable, it will most likely be quicker than current smart phones on the market; so there’ll be little to no waiting around when trying to run out of the house when your phone is low on battery!

Now, probably the most important part; battery. Samsung quite possibly had the biggest technological disaster in history with the battery combustion fiasco seen with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. As seen with many rechargeable electronic devices, most have a lithium-ion cell battery. It’s energy dense and highly powerful so is inescapably susceptible to overheating and combustion. However, most phones when reaching full charge are programmed to stop the charging process, makes sense right? Well, Samsung forgot that part, so the Galaxy 7 ‘over-charged’. The battery can set alight without any given warning such as emitting external heat energy, and so they exploded and set fire.

Given this, Samsung really buckled down on their charging and battery innovation and technology in order to ensure the new release is safe. This huge mistake saw roughly 3 million handsets recalled and was a financial disaster, so we’re sure that the new battery should be safe in order to avoid a reoccurrence of such sort. The company has newly designed a safety test, so don’t worry, there’ll be no mini explosions!

Chip

We don’t expect many changes from the usual here. The phone requires a fair bit of processing power, so we’re expecting small and mighty, and arguably a chip used before or a slightly altered version. This narrows us down to two potential contenders, the custom- built Exynos 8995 chip set or the Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 chip. Both of these are no stranger to Samsung, the Snapdragon was used in the Galaxy Note 7 and is likely to be used again because it was so efficient.

Release Date & Price

According to trusted source ‘The Korea Herald’, release is expected to be in August. We were initially unsure, but rivalling with the release of the iPhone 8, Samsung plan to release before Apple does in hopes of gaining sales before everyone flocks to the unveiling of Apple’s latest device. Unlike Apple, so far there have been no whispers of delay, so the release date seems to be securely placed within August, however the exact date is yet to be confirmed.

As for the price, brace yourself! The Galaxy Note 7 was £749 and due to current upgrades and new features (especially graphics and screen) numerous sources state the release price to be no less than £870. We know, it’s definitely one of the most expensive smart phones on the market. But as stated before, Samsung seem to have focus improvements around virtual reality, so if you’re not fussed by this or graphics, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives which are just as good and probably better suited for you.

So there you have it, everything we know about the upcoming release of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, you now know too! If you were interested in buying it, we hope we’ve helped you reach a decision. For more tech news, reviews and top picks check out our blog.

The LG G6 is one of the most sought after phones of 2017 and is currently available at Laptop Outlet. As an Official UK stockist, we have the LG G6 available in two colours, as well as the beautiful classic black colour for the minimalists, and we also have the stunning phone available in striking ice platinum for those of us who like to stand out!

The G6 is the smartphone with ‘the big screen that fits in your hand’; it comes with an unparalleled display, with Dolby Vision technology which has not previously been featured on a smartphone! In addition to this, it comes with stunning cameras including a wide angle front camera, and is miles ahead of any smartphones currently available on the market.

As one of the biggest manufacturers of smartphones in the world, the latest offering from LG has been well worth the wait and is widely preferred over its biggest competitor, the Samsung S8! We currently have the G6 available for a special price of £589.99 letting you save a significant £110 on your brand new phone and also making it much cheaper than Samsung’s S8.

The ground breaking phone is packed with unique features and is one of the biggest Android releases of the year; the G6 also comes with the latest Android 7 Nougat operating system making it faster, smoother and more versatile than ever! When purchasing your new LG G6 be sure to buy from a UK stockist if you’re living in the UK, as buying online can sometimes mean you find a price too good to be true and end up with a phone not manufactured for the UK which may cause conflicts with updates of your phone due to incompatibility.

As an official UK stockist of the LG G6 you can rest assured that your brand new phone is official and genuine UK stock. So if you’re looking to treat yourself or even your dad with father’s day just over a month away, this would be the ultimate gift for your techie dad to watch his favourite movies and TV shows on!

In addition to this, it is also unlocked and sim free so you can insert your own sim without having to worry about the hassle of changing networks or getting a new number and it even comes with a 1 year warranty for added peace of mind.

With the added option of PayPal Credit you can choose to spread the cost of your new phone over 6 or 12 months, interest free! The LG G6 is currently eligible for a student discount which is great news if you’re a student as you can save even more on one of the hottest smartphone releases of the year! So all that is left for you to do is choose which colour you prefer, purchase the G6 here!

*Please note: all prices are subject to change without notice and all offers are subject to availability*

Samsung Galaxy S6 is evidently the best version in their range of smartphones with our prices starting from only £349.99 (RRP £479). It is also the best smartphone in the market in many ways. Featuring a new and unique exterior design, and an even more improved camera quality, producing the beautifully vibrant and saturated images which Samsung is already known for. The Samsung Galaxy S6 incorporates all the winning features of Samsung phones as well as improvements; it has the fastest multi-tasking menu compared to any other phone!

Display/Screen: The Samsung Galaxy S6 features a new and innovative exterior design –incorporating the best aspects of each smartphone exterior on the market. The smartphone is easy to hold with curved glass –an improved version of the Samsung Note 4. The metal sides and glass back and front (specifically made with Gorilla Glass 4) are visually pleasing, with a bottom, including the charger port, which is almost identical to the iPhone 6.

The Samsung Galaxy S6 has much better build quality than previous smartphones in the Galaxy range; however the thinner structure has compromised the external battery and micro SD card slot which existed previously. This is a minor disadvantage as storage options vary from 32 and 64GB.

Camera:

The Samsung Galaxy S6 camera features a very impressive 16 megapixel sensor, 4k video and LED flash, making it the best camera in any Android smartphone. It is amongst the best cameras available in any smartphone, alongside the iPhone 6+.

Software:

The Samsung Galaxy S6 retains the TouchWiz custom user interface which is seen in all Samsung smartphones, however new features have been added. The option of customizing settings, the drop-down notification bar and keyboard is available, as well as the inclusion of Microsoft apps (OneNote, OneDrive and Skype) which are already installed. The drop-down notification bar also includes an option to change the brightness, which was not included in the Samsung Galaxy S5 software. Application security and storage maintenance is also provided in the Samsung Galaxy S6, in the form of phone management applications.

Performance:

The Samsung Galaxy S6 features their own Octa-core Exynos 7420 processor with 3GB RAM, rather than the expected Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 Chip. The Octa-core processor ensures the Samsung Galaxy S6 has the fastest multitasking menu compared to any other phone, and the slow gallery issue in the Samsung Galaxy S5 has now been renovated.

Price:

The Samsung Galaxy S6 is available in:

Sapphire Black 32GB – Price: £399.99

White 32GB (unlocked) – Price: £499.99

Sapphire Black 64GB – Price: £599.99

White 64GB – Price: £599.99

Improvements from previous Samsung Galaxy phones:

Improved home button –bigger and more tactile

Fingerprint reader is more responsive, now just a touch can unlock your phone! (A whole swipe is no longer required, which is a welcome improvement from the Galaxy S5)

The display has improved significantly –it big, bright and beautiful, and is narrower than the Galaxy S5.

The picture quality is brilliant, displaying vivid saturated colors, and high-level visibility outdoors. The screen almost looks like paper! Samsung is known for bright displays and exceptional picture quality; however the Samsung Galaxy S6 has an even better camera than the Samsung Note 4.

Inconsistent battery life (2550mAh battery – With moderate usage, the battery could last 17 hours, however if it is being used for a long period of time for entertainment, the battery will die considerably quicker!)

Non-removable battery/SD card.

Cannot change the brightness of the buttons.

Verdict:It is fair to say that the Samsung Galaxy S6 is one of the best smartphones currently available in the market, if not the best! It retains Samsung’s exceptional standard of smartphones, and is a commendable revamp from the Samsung Galaxy S5, due to the many improvements made.

ASUS is not considered as a big name in smartphone market. As compared to Apple, Samsung, HTC and other such names, ASUS is comparatively a new name in this filed. But with the launch of its new smartphone, Asus ZenFone 6, it has finally made its place in the smartphone world. Offering all the latest features and technologies in an affordable price, ZenFone 6 has appealed wide market.

Design

With a large 6 inch display it falls in the category of phablets. ASUS has kept the bezel thin so it does not get the look of cheap bulky phone. Having a 9.9mm thickness and 196g it is good to look at and easy to hold. You could also find thinner phablets from different brands but they do not come at this affordable price. The smooth plastic back with a soft matt finish can be removed and replaced with various colors including white, gold and red. It features a concentric circle design and does not come with extra buttons which makes it look elegant. The volume and power buttons are on the sides. The biggest drawback in the design is that the button in the bottom of the display does not have a backlight so it becomes difficult to press the right button in the dark.

Display

The 6 inch HD 1280×720 IPS display with pixel density of 245ppi is a good shot at this price. While using it you will find it quite bright and vivid. ASUS also gives an exclusive app dubbed as Splendid which allows you to adjust the display settings according to your needs and requirements. Its vivid mode is best than others, it offers brighter and sharper images and visuals.

Performance

Driven by a powerful Intel’s Atom Z2580 dual-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz. It gives you high level performance. When this processor is combined with 2 GB RAM it offers you more responsiveness and gives an altogether better experience. Storage options include 16GB or 32 GB of built in storage, plus there is a SD card slot that allows you to upgrade it to 64GBs. As far as wireless connectivity is concerned, it has Bluetooth and 802.11 b/g/n WiFi. Another plus point of ASUS ZenFone 6 is it is a dual SIM device. All those who want to use two number, one for professional and one for personal life, then ASUS ZenFone 6 can be a good option for them.

Camera

All those who consider camera as one of the most essential thing will be happy to buy ZenFone 6. It comes featuring a 13Mp camera that comes with LED flash and an f/2.0 aperture that uses the company’s PixelMaster technology. The pictures are quite clear but sometimes they lack sharpness, you get the idea of the sharpness once you crop a picture.

Final Verdict

ASUS ZenFone is not for those who want a device they can easily carry in their pocket because of its size and weight it is not a pocket friendly device. Anyhow after reviewing its features we came to a conclusion that it offers some of the amazing things which other smartphones could not offer in this price.

The Korean giant has recently launched its new flagship phone Samsung Galaxy S6. With so many people anxiously waiting for this phone, it would not be a surprise if this phone get record-breaking success. After the launch of Apple iPhone 6, people were curious to know what Samsung will offer them in Galaxy S6. So here we are giving you a detailed review of Galaxy S6 so you can make up your mind whether you want to buy it or not.

Design and Body

With metal chassis, and glass covering the front and back, it can be called the prettiest phone Samsung ever made. Its smooth finish will give you a pleasant touch whenever you hold it. With the choice of charcoal, blue, white and gold colours you can get one which best suits your style. Samsung claimed that it has “jewel like finishes” and it is completely true, in fact it is even better than that. High quality glass and stylish metal body gives it a classy and elegant look.
With a thin bezel its 5.1in, QHD Super AMOLED screen looks even more attractive. Even though Samsung has added glass and metal, but still it is lighter than S5. Despite being light and thin it is solid and more durable. MicroUSB, headphone socket and power-boosted speaker is positioned in the bottom edge, whereas sound and power button are on the sides.

Camera

Samsung S6’s front camera will definitely please those who love taking selfies. With 5mp camera at front and 16mp camera at back, you can really take professional quality pictures with your S6. The cameras are made easier to use with features like text identifiers. So no need to carry any digital cameras along when you have your S6.

Battery

Samsung Galaxy S6 gives you this stylish and classy body at the price of removable battery. To bring more elegance in their design and built Samsung has sacrificed its removable battery. By removing the option of replaceable and extendable battery it does not mean Samsung has offered us exceptionally good battery in S6. In fact it comes with 2550mAh battery whereas its predecessor S5 featured 2600mAh, so no progress in battery. But S6 comes with a built in wireless charger which is compatible with variety of wireless charging points and an optional Samsung charger.

Technical Specifications

Samsung S6 features a 5.1in, QHD Super AMOLED display, which means you’ll be able to enjoy high quality media on it. Samsung has omitted the option of SD card in this phone but with a spacious storage of 32/64/128GB you may not need any external storage. Plus a 3GB LPDDR4 RAM is also there to give you a smooth experience.

A lot of people who don’t like Apple phones due to its iOS and other features, end up buying an android smartphone. From vast variety available in android phones, the most preferred brand is Samsung. From features to design to price, Samsung is best in everything, no wonder masses are crazily attracted towards its smartphones.
Most of the Samsung smartphone users especially those who are using recent models like S4/5 or Galaxy Note3/4 may be missing out on enjoying a load of benefits that make your life more fun. There are some exclusive apps which can play a major role in simplifying your life. Have a look at them:

Samsung Galaxy Life

This amazing app is like a reward for loyal Samsung customers. By installing Samsung Galaxy Life you get exclusive offers, promotions and deals on multiple outlets. Apart from discount vouchers you also get free giveaways which can be claimed inside the app. It also sends you alerts when there is an offer at an outlet near your location. Whether you like it or not, your wallet will definitely love this app.

Samsung Link

Transferring data from your smartphone to PC or tablet is not a problem anymore, thanks to Samsung Link. It saves all your videos, pictures and other documents in a Samsung account which can be accessed from any device and anywhere. Apart from PC and tabs, it will also works on Samsung TV. This app is also capable of backing up your content on Cloud. So anything that is saved on your device can now accessed on other devices as well.

Samsung SportsFlow

This app will surely make sports lovers go crazy. You don’t have to visit multiple sites to get latest updates on your sports anymore, with Samsung SportsFlow you can access information on all sports from one place. It includes results and news of all the popular sports like football, golf, motor sports, etc. It also supports media content so you get a chance to see video of special moments in a match. To add more fun, it comes with a Predict & Win tab where you can guess the results and if your guess is correct you get prizes like tickets or Samsung devices.

Samsung’s KidsTime

Letting your kid use your smartphone so you can enjoy some moments of peace has become a part of daily routine for many. Before handing your phone to your kid it is better to turn it to kid’s mode. It comes with more than 80 educational apps which help your kid read and learn in a fun way. Coming with a timer it restricts the usage of a particular app for certain time. You can also adjust its setting so your child can not access those apps which you don’t want him to. Popular cartoon characters help your child learn new things and also strengthen your child’s reading and writing skills.

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